Introduction: MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs which can play an important role in cancer formation. miR-107 and miR-21 is repeatedly up-regulated in prostatic cancer (PCa) cell lines and tissue samples. The aim of this study was to assess whether circulating miR-107 and miR-21 in PCa patients can be used as post-operative biomarkers for monitoring remained cancerous tissue.
Methods: Venous blood serum samples were collected from 36 non-cancerous volunteers and 36 PCa patients, pre- and post-operationally. Serum levels of miR-107 and miR-21 were estimated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Results: miR-107 and miR-21 were both significantly down-regulated in postoperative serum samples compared to preoperative serum samples. We found also that miR-107 and miR-21 were up-regulated in PCa patient samples compared to non-cancerous controls.
Conclusion: The serum miR-107 and miR-21 down-regulation in postoperative serum from PCa patients suggests that the source of these circulating miRNAs is tumour tissue; and serum level of miR-107 and miR-21 could be used as biomarkers for postoperative monitoring of PCa tissue remnants.